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Sweet find - Ampeg B-1R

W

Woofenstein

Jun 9, 2000
530
9
Missouri, USA
#1
I just picked up an Ampeg B-1R for $75 :) For those that don't know, it's kinda an obscure 150w head with a 2 tube preamp, and separate "solo" channel. Quite nifty! I got it because it's 1U and I can use it as a preamp. Pretty cheap Ampeg tube pre!

Anyone else have experience with these heads?
 
#6
I haven't done too much with it yet - mainly I was on the lookout for a 1U Ampeg Pre, and came upon this deal on local Craigslist. Took a look at opinions (very few - can't hardly find them!) and decided that even if the head was worthless in anything but a studio type environment, the two tube preamp section would still make for a great 1U rack mount pre. I've only really messed with the settings recommended in the manual (which I had to request as it's not even listed on Ampeg's site), and I'm very happy with the tones so far. Really, just having the tube preamp section without any EQ sounds more to my liking than what I was previously using (Peavey T-Max). I can't wait to try it at the next rehearsal as bedroom tones generally don't give you a good idea of live performance. Anyways, I'm just trying to keep this thread alive a bit longer to see if there is anyone else who is using/has used one of these, and what their opinions are.
 
#8
the b1 and the b1-re are basically two totally different amps. The b1-re is a solid state, 300 watt, 2 rackspace head. The b1 is a solid state with a tube pre, 150 watt, 1 rackspace head.

I heard that the b1's have big problems with overheating.

good buy though! I doubt it will overheat since you are just going to be using it as a pre-amp.
 
#9
heath_r_91 said:
the b1 and the b1-re are basically two totally different amps. The b1-re is a solid state, 300 watt, 2 rackspace head. The b1 is a solid state with a tube pre, 150 watt, 1 rackspace head.

I heard that the b1's have big problems with overheating.

good buy though! I doubt it will overheat since you are just going to be using it as a pre-amp.
Click to expand...

Yep - I read the same thing regarding the overheating. Shouldn't be a prob for me though as I'm not using the amp portion. Interesting note though - the internal heat sink is actually screwed into the amp cover and slathered with thermal compound (between heat sink and cover). When I opened mine up I noticed that the heat sink holes had all but stripped out. If a firm connection and thermal compound were required for amp to be properly cooled, this may be the cause of the overheating problems some have complained of.
 
#11
Woofenstein said:
I just picked up an Ampeg B-1R for $75 :) For those that don't know, it's kinda an obscure 150w head with a 2 tube preamp, and separate "solo" channel. Quite nifty! I got it because it's 1U and I can use it as a preamp. Pretty cheap Ampeg tube pre!

Anyone else have experience with these heads?
Click to expand...
Just played a gig with a Sunn 1-15" cab with an EVM. using the B1-R. Barked all night, not a hiccup. It's a beast. Even though the EVM could handle more power, the B1-R brought out thunderous bass.
 
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#12
Love to find another B1-R for a spare, and one of the SVT Pro Preamps. I've used my B1-R for a variety of cabinets, from 2-10" Hartke, to a 1-15" with an EVM.
I've also used it as a preamp as well, coupled with a Crown 200 watt power amp. The features on any of these hybrid Ampegs are as effective as an SVT. And a lot lighter. The best Bass cabinet I ever played through was the Ampeg 15/10 and a horn. With an SVT on Top. The 1510 cabinet is smaller, a bit lighter not by much, but less cumbersome, and/of course the SVT head weighs nearly as much as the cabinet, or at least, my muscles and back told me that.
 
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